Hi everyone! Let’s pretend it’s still Tuesday and this is Day 13 of our Glorious Autumn Block Party. Our post featuring Eleanor Burns will be available later today as well.

Today we have Becky from Patchwork Posse as our featured designer and a new online class from Craftsy to tell you about too.

Visit the Block Party Headquarters for more info and upload your completed blocks to the Flickr group.

Super Deal from Craftsy

Dye your own custom fabric with organic and geometric patterns in Fabric Patterning with Wax Resist.

Author and textile designer Malka Dubrawsky shows you just how accessible the ancient art of batik can be as she demonstrates how to work with wax resists. You’ll create patterns using tools as diverse as traditional tjaps (stamps), common cardboard, bell peppers and carrots! Malka also demonstrates overdying and discharging techniques that make complex-looking patterns easy to achieve.

Featured Designer: Becky

How/when/why did you transition from a quilter to a designer?

I have always wanted to do things my own way. I have a hard time keeping track of instructions from others, and usually figure things out on my own, ignoring the instructions all together. I designed a few small quilts and dolls and fell in love with the creative process. I design kind of quirky things, and they aren’t always too popular, but that’s ok. There is always someone who connects with them!

Which quilt is your favourite? Did you design it? Why is it your favourite?

I believe my all time favorite is the ‘cranky’ row quilt. This was thought up as a kind of way to loosen up your sewing anxiety. Forget the rules. Forget the perfect corners. Forget everything being perfect! These blocks are purposefully done the ‘cranky’ way. You can find the free pattern here [PDF file].

How many UFOs do you currently have? Last time I counted 35 quilt tops. That’s right. Waiting to be quilted and bound. Whoa nelly. As far as other projects – maybe 10 or so. I usually finish mine because they turn into patterns. Don’t sew too much of others’ patterns now.

What size of quilt do you prefer to make/design? I love lap quilts! Just enough time to learn something new….not get tired of it and more than likely it will end up finished!

What colour do you use most often in your quilts? Blue. I tend to run to blue…. I try to use other colors, but they never really get to shine like the blue does.

Favourite one-sentence tip for a new quilter: Do what makes you happy. If you like the combination of colors/prints then use them! Don’t let others opinions sway you.

Favourite size and brand of rotary cutter: I am in love with the 35mm small rotary cutter. Have a few larger ones, but they don’t get much cut time. The small one can do curves and fits my hand perfectly.

Block Party #13 – Delectable Mountains

Here’s Becky’s block, Delectable Mountains. Head over to Becky’s blog to see how to put it together.

Designer Give-Away

Becky is giving away a 6-pack of issues of The Sewing Cottage e-Magazine. Enter the give-away on Becky’s blog.